interesting facts about Antigua

17 Awesome Facts about Antigua and Barbuda

Looking to boost your local knowledge of the Caribbean and increase your chances of winning the next pub quiz? Check out these 17 fun facts about the islands of Antigua and Barbuda!

1.    There are more than two islands.

Antigua and Barbuda is a collection of 2 small islands (Antigua and Barbuda) and 35 tiny islands in the Caribbean.

2.    Who discovered Antigua and Barbuda?

These islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, although it wasn’t colonized by English settlers until 1632.

3.    The area is surrounded!

It is bordered by Anguilla to the northwest, Guadeloupe and Dominica to the south, Montserrat to the southwest, and Saint Kitts and Nevis to the west. Both islands also have coastlines along the Caribbean Sea.

Flag of Antigua and Barbuda

Flag of Antigua and Barbuda

4.    Antigua and Barbuda are easy to find

Fancy relaxing on the stunning sandy shores these beautiful islands have to offer? Head for the coordinates of 17.1167° N, 61.8500° W to explore Antigua and Barbuda for yourself.

5.    The Islands’ makeup is intriguing

Both islands are mostly low-lying and made from coral and limestone, although there are some higher volcanic areas.

6.    What about area and population?

The total land area of Antigua and Barbuda is 171 square miles (442 square kilometers) – that’s around 4 times the size of Bristol.

Antigua and Barbuda’s population was 97,118 in 2019 – that’s less than 1/4 of the population of Bristol!

7.    What are citizens of the islands known as?

Residents here are known as Antiguans or Barbudans, depending on which island they are from.

8.    What is the capital of the islands?

The capital is Saint John’s; it covers an area of 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) and had a population of 22,000 in 2014.

9.    The islands are solidly humid.

Antiguans and Barbudans enjoy a tropical maritime climate with little seasonal temperature variation.

Facts about Antigua and Barbuda

10. The islands barely have rivers.

There are no permanent rivers on any of the islands, and Antigua is the only island to have 3 streams!

11. Wildlife on the islands can vary.

Antigua and Barbuda don’t boast a wide range of wildlife, but it is possible to spot wild deer, boar, donkeys, sea turtles, mongoose, and racer snakes, amongst many migratory birds.

12. Can you speak Barbudan?

The official language of Antigua and Barbuda is English.

Mamora Bay, Antigua and Barbuda

Mamora Bay, Antigua and Barbuda

13. Antigua and Barbuda once had links to Britain.

After 349 years as a British colony, Antigua and Barbuda gained independence in 1981.

14. Change up that currency!

The East Caribbean Dollar is the official currency here.

15. These are ancient communities!

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda have been inhabited for almost 5,000 years!

Fun Antigua Facts

16. You’ll live long, healthy lives here.

The average life span here is 76.88 years (2018).

17. Antigua and Barbuda industry facts

Antigua and Barbuda grow fruits, cotton, bananas, and vegetables; they also rear livestock.

Its industry consists of tourism, construction, and light manufacturing.

The main exports consist of petroleum products, machinery, and transport equipment, manufactures, food, and live animals.

FAQs about Antigua and Barbuda

Are Antigua and Barbuda safe to visit?

On the whole, the islands tend to be amongst the safest in the region, but as always, you must keep your wits about you!

How expensive is it to visit Antigua and Barbuda?

It’ll cost you roughly $280 per day to vacation here, but many people do so for less!

Can I use US dollars in Antigua and Barbuda?

You can, but they will be exchanged for local money, the East Caribbean Dollar.

Do you know any fun facts about Antigua and Barbuda?  Share them in the comments below!

Are you fascinated with learning more about the Caribbean? Check out these awesome facts about Grenada!

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This page was last modified on July 30, 2023. Suggest an edit

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